‘Tate Bedworth’? King’s House now home to local art talent
The work of a variety of talented local artists is now brightening up Bedworth’s tallest building after a countywide search was launched to find some eye-catching artwork.
King’s House in Bedworth, home to Warwickshire County Council’s Customer Service Centre and the ‘Warwickshire Direct – Bedworth’ one stop shop, has been brightened up by entries to the county council’s annual Summer Art Competition.
Melanie Ford from New Arley, winner of the over 18 category, and Tessa Kay Lanney from Nuneaton, winner of the under 18 category, were each presented with the top prize of an iPod Nano by Councillor Peter Fowler, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Performance & Development, at King’s House on Thursday (27th September).
Melanie and Tessa’s work is displayed alongside other entries to this year’s competition, the theme of which was ‘diversity in Warwickshire’, whether in local areas, communities or the services provided by Warwickshire County Council.
Melanie’s entry depicts a group of people from across Warwickshire’s different ethnic communities and generations holding a shield featuring the county’s ‘bear and ragged staff’, while Tessa’s work boldly states ‘Warwickshire Together’ and features recognisable landmarks from across the county, from Nuneaton Borough Football Club to Warwick Castle.
In recognition of the quality of the entries to this year’s competition, two runners up were also selected - Victoria Paffett from Stratford-upon-Avon and Reece Goodall from Bedworth, who were both awarded gift vouchers.
Councillor Peter Fowler said: “I think the theme of ‘diversity’ was an excellent one, because it raises awareness of the wide range of services that the county council provides to the community and, of course, the range of enquiries that are dealt with by our customer service advisors.
“There is also a very rich diversity in our communities and in our local areas, both in terms of the people who live and work here in Warwickshire and the geography of the county.”
Adrienne Bellingeri, Warwickshire County Council’s Customer Service Manager, said: “We were really impressed with the quality of the artwork we were sent and the fact that the theme of ‘diversity’ was interpreted in a variety of different ways.
“Melanie and Tessa’s entries were particularly impressive, as were the runners up. Obviously a lot of time, effort and talent went in to all the entries and we’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who sent in their artwork.
“We’ve been so impressed that we’d like to display as many of the entries as possible at King’s House. They really are going to brighten up the Customer Service Centre for our advisors.”
A selection of the competition artwork, including the winning entries, can be viewed at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/artcompetition.